by Mónica Rae Otero, LMSW
Policy Analyst
June 4, 2026

As families across New Mexico navigate the rising health care costs and ongoing uncertainty around public health coverage, affordable and reliable health insurance remains critical to child well being while also providing economic security for families.

Babies and young children need regular well-child visits to monitor growth, track developmental milestones, and identify potential health concerns early. Children with health insurance are more likely to receive these preventive checkups and less likely to face barriers to care, delayed treatment, or missed opportunities for early intervention.

Research shows that access to health coverage during childhood not only improves health outcomes in the short term but is also associated with better educational achievement, higher earnings, and improved health in adulthood.

Unfortunately, a new study from the Center for Children and Families at Georgetown University shows that the number of uninsured children in New Mexico has increased in recent years. As families across the state continue to grapple with rising costs and coverage disruptions, advocates warn that the trend could only get worse under proposed federal policy changes.

In particular, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is expected to create new barriers to enrollment and retention in public health coverage programs, raising concerns that more New Mexico children could lose access to the care and services they need to thrive.

What This Means for New Mexico 

The report’s findings paint a concerning picture for New Mexico’s youngest children:

  • The number of uninsured children under age 6 increased from 4,300 in 2022 to 7,000 in 2024.
  • The percentage of uninsured children under age 6 increased from 3.3% in 2022 to 5.7% in 2024.
  • New Mexico was one of the 16 states nationwide that experienced a statistically significant increase in the uninsured rate for young children during this period.

These findings suggest that more New Mexico families are facing challenges maintaining health coverage for their children, potentially limiting access to preventative care, developmental screenings, and early intervention services during a critical state of growth and development.


What New Mexico Can Do

The increase in the number of uninsured children is concerning, particularly as federal Medicaid cuts and policy changes threaten to create additional barriers to coverage.  Without action, more New Mexico families could face challenges enrolling in or maintaining health insurance for their children.

Fortunately, the New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) has implemented continuous Medicaid eligibility for children from birth through age 6, eliminating the need for annual renewals during these critical early years. State lawmakers have also worked to safeguard access to health care by supporting Medicaid and providing funding that helps families obtain coverage through the BeWellNM marketplace.

Looking forward, policymakers should continue exploring ways to expand access to high-quality, affordable health coverage and reduce administrative barriers that can cause eligible children to lose insurance.

Families should also prepare for any upcoming changes to the Medicaid eligibility and renewal requirements under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), including the new work and activity requirements for some adults as well as more frequent eligibility reviews.

To avoid disruptions in coverage, families should ensure their contact information is current and their YES.NM.GOV account and reach out to the Health Care Authority with any questions about their benefits and renewal status.